You are here:Home/Events/The 3rd Bridging Generations With Heroes of the Forgotten War

The 3rd Bridging Generations With Heroes of the Forgotten War

Date: 2/11/2016

What is the best way to teach history lessons, to pass appreciation for freedom, liberty and community service and to share culture with young generation of Koreans visiting the United States? The Educational Divide Reform, in collaboration with Korean War Veteran’s Association (KWVA), the Academy at Harvard Square, and Andover Public Schools hosted “Bridging Generations Bridging Generations with the Heroes of the Forgotten War” event on Thursday, February 11, 2016. EDR has been holding the event annually since 2013.

Stories and speeches from event’s guests, Korean War Veterans, sparked the minds of globally-minded young leaders helping them to realize American citizens’ sacrifices for freedom and democracy during the Korean War. Captain Albert McCarthy, National Director of the Korea War Veterans and Association Director of the Korea Veterans of America Chapter #299 of the KWVA reminded young leaders about importance to be a global citizen who embrace values of democracy and freedom. Young Korean leaders expressed their appreciation to all of the American servicemen and women in hand-written appreciation letters for Korean War veterans. The Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services officially recognized EDR’s support and dedication in educating and igniting the minds of youth to the service and sacrifice made by the veterans’ of the Korean War in an appreciation certificate to the EDR.

Jay Jinseop Jang, Managing Director of Education Divide Reform (EDR), in his speech emphasized the importance of bringing different generation for learning real history. He also noted that EDR’s intercultural exchange program for Korean young generation is crucial for sustaining peace and understanding in a more than ever interconnected world.

The cultural exchange was also part of the event’s program. The event took place during Korean Lunar New Year, and kids performed a SaeBae – a traditional Korean blessing ritual. The event also featured kids’ performances of ‘the Story of a Turtle’ and the ‘Naval General, Soonshin Lee’. Participants also learnt a traditional Korean game Yut Nori playing in international and intergenerational teams. Japchae, bulgogi, and kimchi fried rice served at the reception introduced American participants to Korean meal.

Hosted in collaboration with Korean War Veteran’s Association (KWVA), Educational Divide Reform (EDR), and Andover Public Schools, “Bridging Generations” was an event that highlights the shared history between the United States and Korea, and reminds us of the principles of civil liberty and freedom our democracies value so highly.

Program Background

The Andover Public School system hosted 14 Korean students for one month. While in the United States, students were fully immersed in the American culture and engaged with American classmates. This program allowed both American and Korean students to experience each other’s cultures, share educational similarities and differences, and make long-lasting friendships.